Strangers

Within Arda, the Elves were effectively immortal, destined to remain within the World until its end. From their perspective, the short lives of Men were fleeting indeed. Even those Elves who were slain remained in Arda, returning in the Halls of Mandos, while the spirits of Men passed on to a mysterious destination. Thus, among the many names the Elves gave to the race of Men were some that reflected the brief passing of Men through the World, and so the Elves called Men the Strangers and the Guests.